Estate LLP Lairg Lodge. Old Park, Maplehurst, Lairg, . Horsham, West Sussex. Scotland. IV27 4EH RH13 6LL 01549 402004 01403 891706 [email protected] 2018 Catch and Release on the Upper Shin.

The has been taking part in a long term scientific study that covers the entire life cycle of the Atlantic salmon. A key part of this project has been the capture and PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tagging of smolts on the tributaries flowing into Loch Shin to try to ascertain their survival rates as they exit through the Hydro scheme dams. The initial results from this work show that the survival rate of smolts exiting through the dams over this period is, on average, less than 10%, which is not a sustainable number in the long term.

Whilst we work to understand how to improve this situation and to protect existing stocks all the River Shin proprietors, with advice from the District Fishery Board and SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) have decided to make the River Shin a 100% catch and release river. (Please squeeze down the barbs on your hooks as this makes releasing much easier)

We are well aware as anglers ourselves that compulsory catch and release does not always sit well with some anglers but the protection of existing stocks for future generations requires all of us to act with caution and show a little patience. This will not be forever, and salmon that were released during the 2017 season will contribute around three and a half million additional eggs going forward.

We understand that sometimes it is impossible to return a fish due to the nature of where it is hooked. If this happens please dispatch the fish humanely. Then you must without fail, hand it over to the Estate’s Ghillie for PIT tag reading, DNA sampling and scale readings. (Please record its capture in the usual way, making a special note in the book that it was killed). All fish will remain the property of the Proprietors.

With your cooperation this important scientific research will give a much better understanding of the areas that require improvement and allow the Shin fish to access and exit the upper reaches of the system more successfully. During the 2018 season, the gillys and some guests will be lent tagging guns. If any of you happen to catch a tagged salmon, please make a special note in the book of the colour of the tag and its number.

Thank you for your cooperation.

James Greenwood. Lairg Estate, Upper Shin. Robbie & Andrew Douglas-Miller. Owners, Lower Shin. Richard Fyfe. SEPA. Alastair Stephens. SSE Biologist.